BRAZIL'S ALCOHOL-POWERED IMPORTS!
(Page 2 of 3)
THE SAO PAULO CONNECTION
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The solution to our lack of markets for "straight" fuel ethanol seems obvious: Engine manufacturers just have to build or convert their equipment to run on alcohol, then offer it for sale along with their conventionally fueled wares. Unfortunately, most firms are unwilling to invest in what must still be considered an unsure market.
On the other hand, there are already vehicles—in Brazil, where an intense proalcohol program is underway—that are factory-made to burn the clean, renewable fuel . . . and recently a group of Alabama—based businessmen chose to make the ethanol-powered imports available in the United States!
The imaginative entrepreneurs (James Floyd, Michael Pete, and Vic Geisen) have teamed up to form Alcohol Cars for America, Inc., a firm that essentially serves as an agency for the distribution of the Brazilian line. Some months ago, they contacted the General Motors Brazil corporation in Sao Paulo, and negotiated the purchase of 1,000 1981 Chevrolets ... two of which they immediately brought back home. (One has been presented to the governor of Alabama, and the other is being used by the group as a rolling demonstration that alcohol fuel does indeed work.)
At this time, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation see no problem with the introduction of a small number of units. However, the federal officials have indicated that they'll take a closer look if and when more such vehicles are imported.
The ACFA representatives are quick to point out that they don't wish to sell the cars directly to the public themselves . . . as they'd be unable to provide proper service or maintenance. Rather, they hope to interest alcohol fuel producers (or producer—sponsored groups) in the vehicles, so that such organizations can then offer the cars to individuals along with guarantees of fuel supplies and technical expertise. (Since all alcohol-related parts constitute less than 5% of the components in the automobile, most servicing tasks should be no different from those performed by any domestic GM dealer.)
Therefore, the Alcohol Cars for America folks aren't hoping to compete with the "Big Three", but do want to demonstrate to Detroit that an alcohol-fuel market exists. As Jim Floyd puts it, "We'll consider ourselves successful when GM makes these cars here and puts us out of business! Once that day comes, we'll step to the side of the road, applauding." (At present, the ethanol vehicles are price-competitive with other "plush" imports, and their quality appears to be good. The wellequipped mid-sized sedan pictured here cost close to $10,000, though less expensive cars are available, too. Andaccording to the ACFA people-manufacturers warranty costs per unit in Brazil are only oneeighth of those paid out in our own country!)
